Hunger

I woke up this afternoon, barely able to sit up. I looked at my hands, they are trembling. I tried to stand up but ended up falling face first to the floor. My legs are weak. I remembered, I still haven't eaten since yesterday morning. I have been so busy that I forgot to eat.

I slowly crawled to to the table. Using the chair as a support, I propped myself up. Still clutching to the chair, I turned to switch on the light. My room is a mess. Thrashed. Then the stench slowly crept up my nose. I almost puked. I had to hold on to the wall. Slowly walking to the bathroom. I need to eat.

I freshened up, got my wallet and fixed my hair. I am able to stand up now. I need to get to the small carinderia. I ordered one cup of rice, one fried fish and a vegetable dish. The place smelled awful, flies were everywhere. There was a dog tied next to my table, it kept barking. The owner of the store, a fat lady, just emerged from the c.r. still wearing her kitchen gloves and her apron, which has stains all over it.

Someone called her and they talked beside me. She was laughing now, showing off the depths of her throat to the whole world, saliva spewing all over my supper, the dog licking her hands, I mean her gloves.

I didn't finish my meal. I felt sick now. My hands are still trembling as I put down the spoon. I went directly to the mini grocery store. I bought some crackers and a bottle of water. I went next to the pharmacy. but before I got there, I vomited. I bought some painkillers, some multivitamins and energy drinks.

As I went back to my flat, everything seems so blurry. Everything was moving fast. The noise was deafening. Little kids begging me for my drink. Old women begging me for money.

It's nighttime now. I still haven't got back to my place. I decided to change route. I passed a very dark street. I noticed the street light bulbs were deliberately broken. Somebody removed the protective covering and broke all the light bulbs. There was a shady man following me, I walked faster, must be adrenalin, but was blocked by another. The man following me caught up. They both smell like liquor. I was held up at gunpoint the other had a sharp object with him. I had to give them everything, even my shoes.

I had to walk back to my place on barefoot. Penniless. Thirsty and hungry. Hoping for a better tomorrow. Still having faith.

I crawled back to my bed, as I close my eyes, my chest become heavy. I can't breath. I looked at my hands, it's bleeding. My belly is bleeding. I removed my shirt, a tiny little hole was there. It's just the size of the ice pick that one of the men who ganged up on me was holding.

Everything seems so dark now. The silence is deafening. Everything is ok now.

I'm ok now.